Episode 1: 5th February
Debate: Human Trafficking
Justine Currell, Executive Director, Unseen
Justine joined Unseen on 1 May 2016 following a 28.5 year career in the civil service. During that time she held a variety of operational and policy posts working across a number of UK Government departments. For the last five years of her civil service career, Justine was the modern slavery senior policy adviser in the Home Office and led on development of the Modern Slavery Act, including the transparency in supply chains provision and business guidance, working closely with UK colleagues. She has joined Unseen to lead the development of the enhanced modern slavery helpline and resource centre and Unseen’s work on the central registry for business transparency statements. Justine will also use her experience and knowledge of working with Ministers to influence other Governments internationally to take action to address modern slavery and, in particular, business supply chain issues.
Tsitsi Matekaire, Programme Manager, Equality Now
Tsitsi Matekaire joined Equality Now in September 2016. She has over 16 years of experience of advocating for women’s rights in Zimbabwe and the UK. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights who believes women survivors’ voices, perspectives and needs should be at the center of efforts to address sex trafficking. Prior to joining Equality Now, Tsitsi was Program Manager at Womankind Worldwide providing program and advocacy support to women’s rights organizations in Ethiopia, Uganda and Zimbabwe on ending violence against women, and promoting women’s civil and political participation. She has also worked with women’s rights organizations in Zimbabwe as the Director of Women in Politics Support Unit and Legal Officer at Women’s Action Group. Tsitsi holds an LL.M. in Human Rights Law from the University of Nottingham (UK) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Zimbabwe.
Business Feature: William Adoasi
Vitae London is a watch brand based in London, England. Our goal is simply to combine classic and beautiful design with social justice. Pairing minimalist concepts with stylish modernity, our watches are subtle yet slim sophisticated timepieces suited to everyone. Ensuring the watches are of the highest quality standards is a priority for us; each watch features either a high quality genuine leather band or a stainless steel mesh band and is equipped with elegant scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass.
Vitae is latin for life and our mantra is to be the fashion brand changing lives. Through our personal experiences we have witnessed the value of education first-hand. Watches purchased from us supply children in sub-Saharan Africa two sets of a school uniform, a bag and footwear to see them through the year. This removes a massive barrier to education for many.
Music: Yinka Williams
The latest release from singer/songwriter Yinka Williams, ‘Take Charge’ is the feel good anthem for girls everywhere this summer! With her powerhouse soul pop vocals, Yinka Williams is an incredible live performer who boasts appearance at Proud & the O2 arena in London amongst her list of achievements to date. In 2014 she wowed the judges of The Voice UK and following this appearance she was approached to work with a string of producers including VekonyZ. The collaboration resulted in the duo winning best electronic single at the Hungarian Music Awards. In 2015 Yinka also came third in the popular Miss Caribbean UK competition which has led to a number of sponsorship and endorsement opportunities.
“This song is very personal to me, I wrote it at a point in my life when I had had enough of the empty promises and unfulfilled projects. For me this song is all about taking control of your own life and carving your way”, said Yinka.
Find out more about Yinka Williams here:
https://www.facebook.com/YinkaOfficial
https://www.twitter.com/YinkaOfficial
Buy the single here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/take-charge-single/id1105951417